Early Reviews for ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ Say Donald Glover Killed It

By Candice Nembhard in Movies

After the LA premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story last night, the early social media reviews are in — and they’re overwhelmingly positive.

The film stars Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han Solo, and follows his first encounters with future co-pilot Chewbacca and the notorious owner of the Millennium Falcon, Lando Calrissian (played by Donald Glover). Given how beloved Harrison Ford and Billy Dee Williams were as Solo and Calrissian in the original Star Wars trilogy, questions naturally arose concerning Ehrenreich and Glover’s performances, and whether or not the film’s plot could prove gripping enough to justify a Han Solo origin story.

Browse our roundup of the best reactions below. Solo: A Star Wars Story hits theaters May 25. And in case you missed it, watch the movie’s official trailer below.

Donald Glover killed it as Lando Calrissian

I loved #SoloAStarWarsStory so much. It’s a western. A caper. Funny with so much heart. It’s got so much surprises that fans are going to love. Donald Glover is charming x1000. Alden Ehrenreich is a great #HanSolo and just know I’ve been saying this for years! Fave new #StarWars.

— Michelle Buchman (@michelledeidre) May 11, 2018

My one GIF review of #SoloAStarWarsStory @starwars pic.twitter.com/g4dGJGZiyF

— Angelique Jackson (@angelique814) May 11, 2018

#SoloAStarWarsStory has a bit of a rough start, but it was a blast of of an adventure. And yes, Donald Glover steals the movie! But you already knew that. pic.twitter.com/4SGiq6tDmQ

— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) May 11, 2018

Alden Ehrenreich’s performance got praise, too

ALDEN EHRENREREICH IS HAN SOLO! The movie is an absolute blast to hyperspace! #SoloPremiere #SoloAStarWarsStory #Solomovie

— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) May 11, 2018

Alden Ehrenreich is the real deal, Thandie Newton is who I want to be when I grow up, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s L3… well we’ll talk about that later. ? #SoloAStarWarsStory

— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) May 11, 2018

Diehard fans were “pleasantly surprised”

#Solo is afun! I was pleasantly surprised that it worked as well as it did given all the behind the scenes drama & retooling. Charming cast, fun action, good jokes, good fan service but still does its own thing. #StarWars will be fine.

— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) May 11, 2018

So, I was REALLY worried about #SoloAStarWarsStory but those concerns are totally laid to rest. A movie for fans AND those totally fresh to the Star Wars franchise. Heart, humor and a Falcon full of top notch action. From a worry to a favorite. Very, very happy! pic.twitter.com/VhvBSDFvjE

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) May 11, 2018

While others said it was a fun ‘Star Wars’ take on a heist movie

Got out of #SoloAStarWarsStory and I’m completely floored. This movie seriously holds up! I was on the edge of my seat and had so much fun watching it! Interviewing the stars of the film tomorrow, cannot wait ❣️ pic.twitter.com/7GAr6h2c8q

— Jacki Jing (@JackiJing) May 11, 2018

#SoloAStarWarsStory: It takes a bit for it to find its feet and for AE to turn on enough charm to make you forget he’s not HF. But once it kicks into its hey-let’s-make-a-crew and yes-also-do-a-heist stuff, it totally flies.

— Kate Erbland (@katerbland) May 11, 2018

#SoloAStarWarsStory is reaaaaalllly good. Fun as hell. It’s a straight intergalactic heist movie, kind of refreshing to see a Star Wars movie w/o a Death Star or the rebellion’s fate at stake. Alden Ehrenreich is super impressive as Han, but L3 might be my favorite new character.

— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) May 11, 2018

I really dug #SoloAStarWarsStory! I woke up this morning questioning whether I was excited for this movie and walked out ready to see Han’s next adventure on this path. It’s a super solid movie and feels true to what makes #StarWars fun.

— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) May 11, 2018

I figured if @DisneyStudios was willing to show 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' a few weeks before release it must be good and it absolutely is. Film is a blast and a welcome addition to the Star Wars universe. @RealRonHoward you did a great job. Congrats. pic.twitter.com/1pkWH2y6qE

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 11, 2018

#Solo is a ton of fun! Alden Ehrenreich is full of charm and definitely does right by Harrison Ford. Not to mention Donald Glover, who's equally great as Lando.

Don't let the drama and rumors fool you, this is a seriously fun, exciting addition to the Star Wars universe!

— Tom Jorgensen (@Tom_Jorgensen) May 11, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story is… fine. It's slow to find its footing, but picks up in the second act, and it's definitely fun. Has the occasional prequel problem answering questions I didn't need answers to, but also some fun references. Overall I liked it, didn't love it pic.twitter.com/dV02yRYueA

— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) May 11, 2018

Ooo @StarWars fans you are in for a friggin TREAT w/ #Solo. Killer cast. A great adventure. So much fun. #hansolo

— Kara Warner (@karawarner) May 11, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story is a goddamn delight. It’s a non-stop adventure packed with way more emotion than your expecting. You’ll have a smile on your face the whole time and leave eager for more. pic.twitter.com/fOsF7Tr95L

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 11, 2018

However, not everyone was convinced

There’s some fun to be had with #SoloAStarWarsStory. Ehrenreich was solid and really enjoyed Glover and Waller-Bridge as L3, but not convinced we needed a young Han Solo movie. Was really hoping for higher stakes, more energy and depth.

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 11, 2018

#SoloAStarWarsStory was a mostly fun adventure and solid performances but with a predictable story. Never will be one of my favorite #StarWars movies but I enjoyed enough of it.

— Dennis Tzeng (@ThinkHero) May 11, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story has a light tone and has some great action sequences. There were great moments but some were a bit too on the nose for me. The Chewie/Han bromance is the thing to watch for.

— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) May 11, 2018

In light of the reviews, will you be copping tickets for Solo: A Star Wars Story? Let us know in the comments.

In other entertainment news, Rick and Morty is slated to return, with 70 new episodes in the works. Read here.